Tarot of Marseilles Temperance is habitual moderation in the indulgence of a natural appetite or passion. It means being able to control oneself, and not letting onself get swept up in the moment or lead astray by fickle passions. The card shows an angel carefully pouring water from one jug to another. Water is a substance which can be difficult to contain, it leaks and it splashes and it runs away. This is a good metaphor for our emotions, which can overwhelm us at times. We break into tears, we stress out, we boil over, and we simmer with anger. The Angel of Temperance is able to contain the running water of emotion and prevent it from spilling. Water is also something we use to cool off. A cold shower or a glass of water can help us when we are feeling hot and bothered. This card is about recognising those instances when our emotions are getting the better of us and we need to calm down. In Hinduism, the concept of dama means discipline. Five types of self-restraint are taugh...

The Tarot of Marseilles Historically, the eleventh Tarot card was called "force" or "fortitude". Fortitude meant moderation in attitudes toward pain and danger, with neither being avoided at all costs, nor actively wanted. The image shows a woman holding open the mouth of a beast. Clearly there is danger here, but she straddles the beast and appears to take great care in what she needs to do. This means having the courage to do what needs to be done, without acting recklessly. We might also call this card "prudence", stressing self-discipline and careful consideration of one's actions. The number eleven is associated with the zodiac, because out of the twelve zodiac"signs" there is always one hidden behind the sun, leaving eleven visible. The eleventh sign of the zodiac is Aquarius, which the ancient Babylonians associated with the god Ea, also known as Enki. He is the master craftsman of the universe who bestows the " Arts of ...